Announcements and Reminders

The Department of Human Resources will be offering an opportunity for employees and spouses who did not participate or complete the Health Risk Assessment process during the Annual Enrollment period this past fall to do so Monday, March 2, through Sunday, March 15, for an effective date of April.

Registration is now open for on-campus biometric screenings which will be held Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 6. A finite number of times are available during the week. Register online or call 877-765-3213 and enter option #1 when prompted.

Employees and if applicable, spouses, who have not completed the online HRA questionnaire must do so by Sunday, March 15, using the results from your biometric screening. Please note, spouses must log in using different information from the employee. The forms, guides and instructions for employees and spouses to complete the process can be found online.

For the sixth consecutive year, Marquette University Human Resources is pleased to offer the Retirewise program to all employees. This free program has been highly succesful in participation and feedback. Based on the surveys, employees have referred to this program as "easy to understand concepts," "a good balance between facts and humor," and "highly useful information."

You and a guest are invited to join us for MetLife's Retirewise four part seminar series. The seminar series is designed to build upon itself, so it is highly recommended (though not mandatory) that you attend all four sessions.

This January/February, Marquette University, in conjunction with Metlife's Paul Tourville, will be offering Session A - Freshman Series beginning on either January 27 or January 28, continuing each week (up to four sessions) with the same session offered twice per week. This "freshman" series is designed for the employee who is starting to plan for their retirement or might need a refresher course in retirement planning.

Registration is prefered but not necessary.

For more information about the Retirewise program, register online with MetLife (using "Marquette" for the company name) or call (866) 801-3547.

Health Risk Assessment Information for 2015 Discount

The 2015 HRA discount medical rate is not viewable in myjob at this time. The HRA process was completed after the annual enrollment period ended, thus the discount cannot be viewed at this time.

Please review your statement of earnings beginning in 2015 to check that the proper deductions are being taken.

Are you just starting your employment with Marquette?

Please note that you have thirty days from your start date to enroll in MU benefits or lose access to guaranteed coverage. Download the document below for a basic overview with cost for the medical, dental and vision benefits. You can also click on the Current Employees tab above which provides links to specific areas as well as more detailed information on all of our benefit offerings.

Employee Assistance Program through Aurora is confidential and accessible 24/7 by anyone living in your household. One assessment and up to five visits per incident at no charge. You do not need to have the MU health insurance. Call 800-236-3231.

*Please note: Clinic Moved at the End of July2013
The clinic and staff will refocus it's efforts on Women’s Health services only at the new MNHC-Hillside location. (1452 North 7th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205.) The new clinic location will be staffed primarily with nurse-midwives who care for women throughout their lifespan. Services will include annual physical exams, prenatal care, delivery and postpartum care.

Benefits For Those Considering Marquette University

Marquette University has consistently ranked one of the Best Places to Work by MRA and Milwaukee Magazine. As you can see, we offer a generous benefit package to our employees. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Benefits take effect on your start date. No waiting period if you submit applicable benefit enrollment forms within 30 days of your employment.

Full-time regular employees are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.

Full-time limited term employees with a one year contract (academic or calendar) are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.

Part-time regular employees are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. There are no premium contributions from Marquette University. Employees who participate in any of these benefits are responsible for the full premium. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.

Part-time temporary employees will have access to a limited number of voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.

Life Events Which Affect Your Benefits /Annual Benefit Enrollment Period

Changes in health care coverage can only be made within 30 days of a Qualifying Life Event or during the university’s Annual Enrollment period, usually held in the fall, with changes effective January 1st of the next year.

Examples of Qualifying Life Events which may affect your benefits include the following: marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, change in spouse’s employment, death of child/spouse, etc.

It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the HR Benefits Department within 30 days of any potential qualifying life event in order to process the coverage options for you and/or your eligible dependents. If you have questions regarding benefit enrollment and eligibility please contact the Department of Human Resources at ext. 8-7305.

Preventative Screenings Verification for Wellness InitiativesIn an effort to improve awareness of the importance of preventative health practices, Marquette University is asking their employees to verify their annual exam preventative screening status. This is a voluntary program and information provided by those who participate will be kept confidential; no health information will be shared with Marquette.

Below is the form your primary care provider can complete and submit to Aurora directly.

Contact Aurora 24/7 at (800) 236-3231. You can connect with a professional EAP counselor to schedule a consultation who can link you with specialized services for stress (work, relationships, financial), alcohol or drug abuse (yours or a family member’s), and/or balancing work and family.

Long-term Care Insurance

Marquette University has partnered with Legacy Services and Northwestern Mutual to assist employees in finding long-term care for themselves, parents or other family members. Employees are offered the option of having their Long Term Care benefit premiums deducted through their MU paycheck.

Did you know Marquette University employees can get discounts at local hotels, attractions and even cellular companies. Click on the link to the left to see where you can save money. (Please Note: You must be on campus to access the Department of Purchasing's Website.)

Benefits For Marquette Retirees

Retirement is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. The benefits team is proud to offer several educational opportunities and resources for you to explore in order to make educated decisions for your retirement plan.

Social Security and Medicare

See the upcoming events schedule for information on group sessions on understanding retirement healthcare and understanding social security in retirement being offered on the MU campus in fall 2013.

Contact a Social Security Administration office three months prior to your 65th birthday. The nearest office to Marquette University is the blue federal building located on 4th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Appointments are recommended.

Internal Marquette University process to retire

Give your department at least a two week notice. We recommend giving a two to three month notice to ensure all of your questions are answered and all of your benefit-related paperwork is processed prior to your actual effective date of retirement.

Your supervisor or business manager will complete a "termination form"

A member of the benefits team will receive your "termination form" and will contact you directly regarding retiree status eligibility and any applicable paperwork you may need.

Still have questions about the procedure? Click here to view a schematic diagram of the process.

*Italicized benefits are COBRA eligible. Employees may elect a continuation of current coverage under COBRA for up to 18 months. See COBRA rate sheet for pricing.

TIAA-CREF 403(b) Retirement Accounts

You have the option of either leaving your funds in your 403(b) account upon your retirement until you wish to draw from your balance, rollover your funds into another account, or choose from one of several distribution options. Call TIAA-CREF at (800) 842-2776 for more information. Link to the TIAA-CREF area on the benefits website.

If you are a faculty member and are considering the contract buyout implications and your TIAA-CREF 403(b) contract, you should make an appointment our TIAA-CREF individual consultant by calling (800) 842-2005 ex. 255674.

See the upcoming events schedulefor individual TIAA-CREF counseling sessions available to you by appointment only each month on the MU campus.

Tenured Faculty

The University will buy out a faculty member's tenure if the faculty member holds tenure and is eligible for retirement from Marquette University. Please read the specific Tenure Buy-Out Policy to review all of the conditions

Faculty members must apply for a buy-out no later than Dec. 1 of the academic year that will be his/her final year of full-time employment.

All buy-outs will have a retirement date immediately following the last day of the contract. E.g. If the final, full-time contract ends May 23, the effective retirement date would be May 24.

Benefit coverage for a faculty member in his/her terminal year expires the final day of the terminal contract month. E.g. If the final, full-time contract ends May 23, health, dental, and vision coverage would continue through May 31.

The rank of emeritus may be conferred upon a retiring tenured faculty member or a retiring academic administrator whom the university designates in recognition of the sustained high quality performance shown throughout his/her career. Nominations and/or applications are coordinated through the Office of the Provost.

Dental: Two free cleaning per year, per covered member (deductible waived).

Vision: One free well-vision exam per year, per covered member (co-pay waived).

Preventative Screenings Verification for Wellness InitiativesIn an effort to improve awareness of the importance of preventative health practices, Marquette University is asking their employees to verify their annual exam preventative screening status. This is a voluntary program and information provided by those who participate will be kept confidential; no health information will be shared with Marquette.

Below is the form your primary care provider can complete and submit to Aurora directly.

Webinars from UMR on Healthy Living

Additional Information Regarding Your Marquette Benefits

Annual Notices for Employees:
Several legislative acts, including the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, require plan
administrators, including Marquette University, to give all employees the most
important facts they need to know about their health and welfare benefit plans
including plan rules, financial information, and documents on the operation and
management of the plan, in writing. Written notice is also required regarding
the other health and welfare benefit plans that may be available to
them.

The university has made this required information, which includes a
copy of each applicable plan's summary annual report, an updated notice of
privacy practices and a health insurance marketplace notification.

Health Care ReformInformation
In response to the many requests
from employees to develop easy to read (and understand) information pertaining to Health Care Reform, we are launching a communications campaign called “In a Nutshell”. Below are the first four flyers which address three issue a piece.

Health care reform, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA), consists of a multitude of provision that will change health insurance insurance for many Americans. As ACA is still very new, parts of it may be subject to ongoing interpretation and revision.

What is the health insurance marketplace or exchange?
An exchange is an online marketplace that will provide health insurance options to consumers. The exchange will allow consumers (individuals and small businesses initially) to compare what plans cover, what providers are covered, how deductible and components are different across plans and how plans compare on key quality measures. The Health Insurance Marketplace is available at www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596

AccrualsAre you confused about how you are accruing and can use sick, vacation and short-term disability benefits, if applicable? Click on one of the links below for more information.

When prompted for company name enter “Marquette,” or call (866) 801-3547 with questions.

Benefit Information Sessions were offered four times this year during the annual enrollment period. These overall information sessions have now ended. These session were be hosted by Steve McCauley, Director of Employee Benefits.

If you would like a digital copy of this presentation, please click on this link

You can discuss your personal financial situation with a TIAA-CREF consultant on a confidential basis. You can also discuss how to help achieve your financial
goals by investing in financial solutions such as mutual funds, brokerage, life
insurance and annuities.